Tag Archives: Homebase Abroad

Though I normally don’t delve into politics in this blog, I will take the opportunity to tie them into this week’s For The Weekenders post.

Considering all the shittiness that’s ensued and been encouraged since last year due to either apathy or just pure hatred (read: stupidity), sometimes the more sensible among us just need to travel to other lands to remind ourselves that no, the entire world isn’t like that and yes, politicians are not exempt from being considered, or just being for that matter – ‘bat shit crazy’.

Here’s a few places to put the human back into humanity and nurture back into…nature.

One of those seasons where all you want is hot chocolate, hot saunas, and hot people to wrap your arms around because, “baby, it’s cold outside“.

Wait for it…there’s a girl version too (…don’tgettriggered…)

Yes indeed, the perfect time for appreciating all the cozy comforts in life. Fireplaces, plush sofas, and cashmere covers.

Speaking of – if there’s one thing I like more than cashmere cardigans and pullovers – it’s cashmere covers. Il Fieniletto delivers just that, and more, near Alta Badia in the Dolomite mountains of Italy.

This 9 bedroom, 9 bath villa is the perfect excuse for when you need a break from it all. Grab some friends (up to 17 of them) and a play date, charter a flight over, and from there go wild. If you have no clue where to start, here’s an idea…

Take the day off and make sure you’re on emergency call only. “Emergency” being defined as an alien invasion, earth’s sudden teleportation to another galaxy, or your great, great grandma’s untimely passing (knowing full well, she already has).

Charter a flight with AeroPrivateJet – try the Bombardier Global 7000, or perhaps the Embraer Legacy 650E (you’ll have to cut 5 friends from the group with this one). Grab your bags, some cash, and your special someone before meeting up with your friends and hopping on board.

Them: “So…so are private jets our thing now?” You: “…did you not grasp that from the context?”

You’ll have a lot of rooms to choose from. A lot. I recommend bedroom #3 on the ground floor, or bedroom #2 on the upper level in the Mansarda (which is really just a fancy way of saying “attic” – but don’t worry, this attic is fancy).

Whichever room you choose, all of the bedrooms have sexy, cozy, cashmere (or fur) covers atop of sexy, cool linen bedding, for you to rest your (hopefully) sexy, athletic bodies.

Athleticism is important. Because after all, you’re in a ski resort area – so I’d like to assume you’ll be skiingsnowboarding.

There’s also an elevator (or, “lift”), so you don’t have to worry about carrying your special someone’s luggage up or down a set of stairs (good help is so hard to find these days).

Speaking of help, there’s a live-in cleaner, cook, and wonderful little butler available at your beck and call (just don’t ring any bells at them – I am beyond confident you will get slapped).

One of the three can take care of some shopping for you if you feel like being lazy, or if you’re in the middle of impressing that date you brought along as you shred out some romantic song on the ukulele you packed.

The villa can have certain sections of it closed off, to ensure privacy for those intimate moments, or when you just don’t feel like hearing the chatter of everyone that you invited.

When you feel like relaxing to take the edge off from the jet lag, shuffle down to the lower level of Il Fieniletto and indulge in the heated pool, sauna, or hydro-massage options available.

Once you get sick of being inside and need some fresh air, explore the surrounding area. If you still don’t know where to start, pick up a few Dolomiti SuperSki passes, so you no longer have an excuse to be bored (who needs Swiss alps when you have Italian?).

You’ll have access to the Sella Ronda ski tour, which when done correctly turns into a 2 day activity…well worthy of a cocktail party story, or at least a custom-made coffee table book.

But let’s say you’ve already satisfied that winter sports urge. Or let’s just say you’re not a fan of cold weather.

Then Bali is your next choice – but if you’re going to Bali, you better do it right, because dammit it’s Bali.

If you’re a fun in the sun, surf and sand, fall asleep after a good swim type of person, Como Uma Canggu is probably more your taste. So here’s how it can go down…

You’ll charter a flight from wherever you are to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Then it’s a 60-minute car ride from there to Uma Canggu, which Como can arrange for you, if you’re feeling lazy.

Or, see if you can shave those numbers down with a helicopter ride, if you’re feeling impatient.

You’ll also book the accommodation of your choice.

You’ve got a fair few options…but my guess is the first thing that’ll pique your curiosity is the penthouse – there’s 12 of them, and they don’t disappoint.

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With 3 bedrooms, a living room, ocean views for miles from your own balcony, and an outdoor rooftop pool, you’ll feel like you’re in a home away from home when your bags hit the floor.

You: Ugh…that chopper ride over was *exhausting* Play date: …it was way under an hour. You: Well, Mary, sometimes it’s exhausting being awesome. Play Date: It’s not that exh- You: *glare* Play Date: ….

Each penthouse comes with it’s own wonderful butler who can make your stay more comfortable, rain showers, and a wireless surround sound system so you can play this across the place when you’re having your morning coffee as you stare out at the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean…

…coffee in one hand, arm around a sexy someone in the other.

If you’re not feeling as elaborate, or feel like doing things yourself without the help of your own private butler, opt for the Uma Pool Residences or a suite instead. They’ve got plenty to offer and are just as comfortable. I recommend the Batu Mejan Suite.

Obviously you won’t want to be stuck inside all day (or do you?) so you’ll have to figure out what to do outside of your suite penthouse.

After some coffee and breakfast, you’ll wanna start things off right.

If you’ve been hitting the gym pretty hard, now’s a good time to use that as an excuse and go for a Balinese Spice Body Mask, and refresh those tired muscles.

No, it’s not just for women or the modern gay man. Muscles get tired and hey, last time I checked, you’re no Clark Kent.

Once you’re all loosened up, book a surfing excursion with a private guide and hang ten. You’ll be able to check out Bali’s best spots for some good waves with a private car hire for about 10 hours.

After a long day of surfing, you’ll probably be ready to wind down and grab some more food.

While I could suggest you check out the Como Beach Club, I’d say now’s the perfect time to do some exploring yourself – have a stroll around the local area and see what’s good.

If you’ve brought friends along, head back to your penthouse and live it up with some late night swimming, drinks, 24 hour room service, and your own private party, while rocking out.

My guess is, you’ll be staying here a couple of days so feel free to check out what else they’ve got available and go from there. There’s really no wrong answer here.

If you’re not into villas or penthouses though, don’t worry. There’s something for everyone in this For The Weekenders.

Maybe you’re one of those people who always feel more comfortable being perpetually on the road.

Or tracks.

Your choice.

If you’re up for feeling a little like James Bond in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, or Spectre (that man’s been on a lot of trains), and so happen to be a train enthusiast, then Train Suite Shiki-Shima is for you.

Ahh…Japan.

It’s the one place for me, where travelling by rail is comfortable and memorable.

And let’s be honest – nothing’s more memorable than having your own deluxe suite in a train that’s built like a hotel on…rail wheels.

So this is what you’ll do…

Book a 4-day, 3-night trip for this year.

This thing sells out fast so plan for the future, amigo.

Hop a jet to Narita International Airport. Let’s throw a little healthy competition in the mix – try out Apollo Jets this time. Then grab a private car (or if you’re feeling like regular people, and really a train enthusiast, a fast train) into Tokyo.

All you really need are your bags and a play date – the rest is taken care of. Make your way to Ueno Station, because this is where you’ll be departing.

Lounge for a bit at Prologue Shiki-Shima – a wonderful thing of a place that gives you a taste of what the train ride will be like before boarding.

Then prepare yourself for the epic journey that follows through the north-eastern region of Japan. Epic is an understatement.

Better bring your best DSLR/SLR, because you’ll have the chance to capture plenty of memorable shots when visiting the plethora of different stations, checking out unique to Japan accommodation, and trying some serious local cuisine from both on and off the train.